National music television network Fuse previously announced that THE HUSTLE, the network's first foray into scripted programming, will premiere tonight, June 19 at 11pm/10c. This special six episode, half-hour dramedy sheds light on the challenges that aspiring artists face trying to find their place and break into the hip hop world. The new series comes from Generate, an Alloy Digital-owned production and talent management company.
The scripted series will be accompanied by
The Hustle After Party, a program immediately following The Hustle, taped in front of a studio audience in Fuse's street-front studio on 7th Avenue in the heart of New York City. Hosted by Esteban Serrano (host of Fuse's Top 20 Countdown), the after party will complement each episode of The Hustle, making the evening a destination for hip hop fans.
The Hustle After Party will feature interviews and performances with hip hop stars, along with discussions with industry experts and appearances by the cast.
The Hustle is an authentic look at the hip hop industry, as the series follows underground rap duo Kutta and D, also known as "Brooklyn's Finest," as they rise through the ranks of the musical elite and struggle to keep their friendship intact. At the center of it all is Ya-Ya, a childhood friend and A&R representative, who tries her best to get "Brooklyn's Finest" signed by a major record label, while helping them avoid the pitfalls on the road to success. Series regulars include Y'lan Noel and London Brown as rap duo Kutta and D respectively, along with Erica Dickerson as Ya-Ya and Clinton Lowe as Rashad, the duo's sidekick.
The Hustle is created and executive produced by Prentice Penny (Happy Endings, Scrubs, Girlfriends), produced by Generate and directed by Millicent Shelton (Everybody Hates Chris, 30 Rock, Californication, Parks and Recreation), Rusty Cundieff (Chapelle's Show, The Bernie Mac Show, CSI New York) and Billie Woodruff (Honey 2, Beauty Shop).
"There are plenty of stories about trying to make it in the music industry, but never has there been such an authentic look at the hip hop industry and the struggles that accompany the journey to get to the top," said Mike Bair, president, MSG Media. "The Hustle is filled with richly drawn characters in real life situations, connecting with our audience and giving viewers a real and honest look at life before fame and fandom. We're looking forward to sharing this project with viewers, as we continue to make
Fuse the one and only destination for the best music stories on television."
Generate President Peter Aronson commented, "We are incredibly excited to bring Prentice Penny's vision to the screen via our partners at Fuse. This is a world and an audience that is underserved, so it is particularly rewarding that the project and Prentice attracted such a fantastic team to bring it to life."
In order to maintain the authenticity of the writing, Generate recruited acclaimed feature film casting directors Avy Kaufman (American Gangster, The Sixth Sense, The Bourne Ultimatum) in New York and Kim Coleman (Inside Man, Everybody Hates Chris) in Los Angeles. Best Song Oscar winner Paul Stewart (Hustle & Flow, Four Brothers, Barbershop) serves as music supervisor. The series will feature cameos by hip-hop's finest, including rappers Jadakiss, Freddie Gibbs, Red Cafe, Travis Porter and Nipsey Hussle, along with DJs The Breakfast Club, DJ Whoo Kid and DJ Skee.
Fuse is a national television network that provides a unique, multi-platform destination for music lovers, connecting fans with their favorite artists and delivering the most comprehensive coverage of the music industry today. In addition to The Hustle, the network's lineup of original series includes
Fuse News, Fuse's daily flagship music news program anchored by Alexa Chung and Matte Babel; Warped Roadies, an unscripted program that follows the crew charged with keeping the Vans Warped Tour running; and music and pop culture trivia show
Funny or Die's Billy on the Street starring Billy Eichner. It also includes Top 20 Countdown; Trending 10; and artist documentary series Popped. Additionally,
Fuse covers live concerts and events, and boasts comprehensive coverage of music festivals throughout the country, including South by Southwest, Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo and the Voodoo Music Experience.
About Fuse
Fuse, the national television network dedicated to music, brings viewers closer to their favorite artists and bands by featuring original series and specials, exclusive interviews, live concerts and video blocks - all rooted in the music experience. Celebrating the hit
Makers of today, familiar favorites and edgy newcomers,
Fuse accommodates the wide ranging tastes and attitudes of its 18-34 year-old audience with compelling music programming on-air, on-line, on-demand, in HD and via mobile technologies. Additional information about
Fuse can be found at www.fuse.tv.
About Generate
Generate, an Alloy Digital-owned company, launched in 2006 and is recognized as a first mover in its space. Over a six-year period, it has become a leading connector for advertising, technology and entertainment companies by executing ideas from concept through production entirely in-house. Its management team includes prominent executives from television, film, digital, advertising, production, and talent management. The collaborative media company, with offices in Santa Monica, CA, and New York City, has become a premier provider of customized branded content across traditional and digital platforms; a developer and producer of fiction and factual entertainment for a variety of distribution outlets; and home to a prolific talent management division that has experienced significant growth.
